Coin controlled vending apparatus



Nov. 2, 1943. F. w. HoBAN I COIN GONTROLLED VENDING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 25, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 2, i943. F. w. HOBAN 2,3339l75 COIN CONTROLLED VENDING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 25, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Mig-amd ATTORN EY5- Nov. 2, 1943. F. w. HOBAN COIN CONTROLLED VENDING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 25, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTO R N EYS Nov. 2, i943.

F. w. HOBAN COIN CONTROLLED VENDING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 25, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORNEYS.

Nov. 2, 1943. F. w` HOBAN 2,333,176

COIN CONTROLLED VENDING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 25, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 BY Gi ma@ W #M/9192EA ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 2, 1943 2,333,176 COIN CONTROLLED VENDING APPARATUS Fairfield W. Roban, New York, N. Y., assignor, by

mesne assignments. o! one-half to himself and l one-hal! to James H. Martin, Chicago, Ill., as

ytenants in common Application February 25, 1941, Serial No. 380,454

(Cl. 194.l0)

20 Claims.

My invention relates generally to apparatus for vending or dispensing packaged commodities such as cigarettes, chewing gum,- razor blades, candy, and the like..

One object of my invention is the provision of a vending apparatus of the character described which is electrically operated and comprises coin or check registering and counting mechanism, article selecting mechanism; and article ejecting mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character speciiied in which the electrically operated means is controlled by the insertion of dimes and nickelstotaling in amounts fifteen or twenty cents only.

Further said invention has for its object to provide an apparatus of the character speciiled in which the selective elements thereof include means for determining the coin totalization at which the apparatus is to be operated.

Further, said invention has for its object to provide an apparatus of the character specied in which the selective elements thereof are coordinated With means for completing the control circuits to impart movement to said means in one direction or the other according to the control circuit to be closed.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character specified in which means is provided under the control of the operator for returning coins to the operator and under control of the apparatus for retaining the coins inserted, one operation preventing the other operation, and both operations serving to cause the resetting of the coin totalizing mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character specified in which the ejecting elements thereof are mounted upon a common movable support to be selectively projected by the operation of the apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character speciiled in which the respective selector elements, each serving to control the circuit of the proper totalization, are each utilized to control the projection of the ejecting element corresponding thereto upon actuation of said support.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character specified in which the ejecting elements are actuated by a snap action.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character speciiied in which the snap action mechanism is controlled by the corresponding selective element serving as an abutment upon one movement o! the support and by a xed abutment upon completion of the re- 4verse movement of the support.

Another object of the inventionis to proA vide an 'apparatus of the character specified in which each selector element upon actuation thereof to start the operation is locked in depressed position to enable the same to function as a iixed abutment for controlling the snap mechanism of the corresponding ejecting element.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character specified in which the ejector support is mounted for swinging movement to be actuated by the rotatable motor through a crank mechanism, whereby to insure free and easy operation thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character specified in which means for dispensing supplemental or auxiliary articles such as matches, is associated with the apparatus to be positively actuated by the motor for ejecting the article.

Another object ot the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character specied in which the auxiliary or supplemental dispensing means is actuated through a motor driven member performing a resetting operation.

A further object of the invenion is to provide an apparatus of the character specied in which the auxiliary ejecting means operates during two successive operations of the motor to eject the articles alternately from two article holding compartments while insuring occurrence of the resetting operation upon each cycle of operation of the motor.

Another object o the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character speciiied in which the coin counter or totalizer is capable of being restored or reset by simple mechanism actuated both upon the coin returning operation and upon the dispensing operation.

`Another object ci my invention is the provin sion of an apparatus of the character described which is of relatively-simple construction and of relatively few parts, and the cost of manufacture and assembly of which is substantially rectiuced over vending machines known in the ar My invention, for purposes 'of illustration only, will be described in relation to a cigarette package vending machine. It will be obvious from the following description of this illustrative embodiment that, changed only to conform to the cording to and embodying my invention, the enclosing cabinet being removed to show the operating mechanism;

Fig. 2 is an elevational view of the right side thereof, as viewed from the front, Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical section along the line 3--3 of'Flg. 1;

Fig, 4 is an enlarged section along the line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an elevational view of the left side of the mechanism, as viewed from the front, Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a part plan, part sectional view of the match delivery mechanism, along the line 6-6 of Fig. 5; and I Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the wiring circuit, with parts of the mechanism being'shown diagrammatically.

My new and improved vending apparatus vcomprises a. suitable frame I 0, in which is secured a plurality or battery of vertically extending channel members forming compartments l2, I2, into which are placed the various commodities to be dispensed by the mechanism. As will be seen by reference to Figs. 1 and 3, the battery of compartments l2 extends vertically of the device, and terminates at the base at a point above and in spaced operating relation to my article ejecting mechanism I4, and a chute or slideway I6, down along which the ejected articles pass into the delivery mouth I8, from where Ithey may be removed by the operator.

As will be seen by reference t0 the Wiring dliagram, Fig. 7, the apparatus is connected to a suitable source of current as at O. The current,

passing through all made points, extends to the coin registers R, the counting mechanism M, the selecting mechanism S, the solenoids, the motor T and the locking mechanism L, although the various circuits cannot be Amade" to cause actuation of the various parts of the mechanism until a sufficient number and value of genuine coins or checks are deposited.

As the checks or coins are deposited Within :m

apparatus, they are iirst tested for genuineness, After passing through this test, the checks or coins drop or roll down chutes wherein,'in acactuated by the operator, and, if a suiiicient number of checks or coins has been deposited and registered by the counter, the button is locked, an electric motor is energized to eject the chosen article, the coins are dropped into a receptacle,

the button unlocked, the counting mechanism reset, and the apparatus restored to its original condition.

The registering and counting apparatus 'l Two separate chutes are provided, the mouths or entrances to which may be placed in any suitable location on the mechanism but preferably at the upper portion thereof, so that the coins may pass by gravity down through the apparatus with the least amount of diiculty. Two coin chutes 20 and 22 are provided; chute 20 of size sufficiently large to receive the five-cent nickel pieces, and chute 22 to receive the tencent piece.

A conventional testing device 24 (not shown in any detail) for testing the genuineness of vthe checks or coins deposited is mounted in'each of chutes 20, 22, near the entrances thereof so as to test .the coins or checks. If the checks or coins are found to be spurious, they are either by-passed out of the apparatus forthwith, or

else they maybe returned to the depositor through slide-way I6, or'/ deposited in a suitable receptacle. In any event, spurious checks or coins are prevented from reaching the registering part of my apparatus.

While separate chutes ory slides 20, 22 are provided for the reception of the coins of different denomination, each with a separate entrance.

the two chutes merge into a single chute 26, the

bottom portion 28 of which is disposed above and in spaced relation to the temporary receptacle, 30. My counting mechanism M is set to operate in `units of ve cents each, and vchutes 20, 22 are provided with suitable registers responsive to the action of the coins or checks passing therethrough. Chute 22, for the silver tencent coins, has two registers 34, 36. One register 34 is placed in chute 22 below the coin tester 24 and above the point at which chute 2U merges with chute 22, and the second register 36` is mounted beneath the point at whichl chute 20 opens into chute 22. Thus, as a genuine tencent silver coin is deposited in chute 22 and passes through the coin testing device 24,11lt successively contacts registers 34 and 36. As a vecent `nickel coin is deposited in chute 22, and passes the tester 24, it drops down chute 28 into portion 2liv thereofand actuates only oneregister 36. Thus, the ten-cent piece, comprising two five-cent units actuates two registers; .the fivecent coin butone.

My counting or totalizing mechanism M comprises a circular wheel 40 mounted on a shaft 42 secured to the side Wall of frame I0. A spiral, coiled spring 44 is secured by its ends to shaft 42 and wheel 48, normally urging wheel 48 to rotate on shaft 42 in a counter-clockwise direction (see Figs. 2 and 7). yA portion of the periphery of wheel 40 is notched to form a p1urality of teeth 46 pointed in a counter-clockwise direction. A double-toothed escapement 48 is provided, mounted above and in operative relation to the toothed portion of wheel 40, on a pin 5l) secured to the side wall vof frame Ill.y One end 52 of escapement 48 is pivotally secured to the end 54 y of'plunger 56 protruding from a solenoid 58 in the circuit of registers 34, 36.

i l 0n one side of wheel 4D, on the body thereof, I mount a pin $0 which projects outwardly at right angles to the plane of wheel` 40. Thus, when register 34 is actuated, contact is made at 35 and the solenoid 58 energized. As solenoid-58 is energized, its plunger 56 is raised upwardly, carrying with it the end 52 of. escapement 48 and disengaging inner escapement tooth 62 from wheel 4l). Wheel 40, thus released from the restraint of the escapement, is spring-44 urged forward, counterclockwise, until the outer escapement tooth 54 by the passage of a coin and contact made at 81,

solenoid 88 is again actuated and wheel 48 is moved forward another .tooth-distance, and so on with each actuation of registers 81|, 38. It will thus be seen that as each nve-cent unit is I registered, ywheel 48 moves along a counterenclrwise arc one toothdistance.

At the p resent time, cigarettes are priced at uiteen cents (three units) or twenty cents (four units), and my counting mechanism is calibrated, and the selecting and ejecting mechanisms are set to operate, either for a threeor four-unit sale. It will be obvious that my wheel can be Y modified to operate for any desired number of points on their inner sides opposing the contacts on blade 18. When my counting mechanism Lis in its at rest position, as shown in Figs. 2 and '1, pin 68 on wheel 48 is spaced away from the contact blade assembly 66. Solenoid 58 is open and its plunger 58 is in the down position causing a locking engagement between escapement tooth 62 and wheel teeth 46 restraining wheel 48 against any movement. Counter-clockwise of this point of engagement, a suihcient number of teeth 46 must be provided to permit engagement of the wheel by escapement tooth 64 when the solenoid is energized, and clockwise of the point of engagement, a predetermined number of teeth 46 areformed in wheel 48 in accordance with the price-number of units of the articles disposed within the apparatus. My present embodiment is set to operate for a maximum of four units, and wheel 48 must, therefore, have at least four .teeth clockwise of the original point of engagement by escapement 48. Each time solenoid 58 'additional coins are deposited within the chutes, I

they will, if genuine, actuate registers 84. 36 and cause solenoid plunger 58 to rock escapement 48.

lected. It is only when four coins or check units have been deposited in and registered by the counting mechanism that the other part of the selectors is energized. At that time, either the three-unit or four-unit selector elements may be actuated to eject one of the commodities within the apparatus. In similar fashion. my mechanism may be modiiled to handle commodities priced at three or four diil'erent unit prices.

The selector mechanism My selector mechanism is disposed within a small housing 18 which is mounted on and extends across the entire width of the frame I8. The iront of. housing 18 may be secured to the `back of the front panel of the frame. and thel openback of the housing may be as closed by panel 88. A plurality of buttons 82 are provided, one for each of compartments I2, mounted in aligned relationship to these channels l2, l2. Buttons or selectively operable elements 82 are normally urged outwardly from housing 18 by the action of a coll spring 84 bearing against the inside of the button head and back plate 88, and the buttons may be pushed inwardly only againstthe tensionof this spring 84. A suitable locating pin 86 may be provided, mounted on plate 88, extending into coil spring 84, which pin serves to locate spring 84, to limit inward movement of the buttons 82, and to keep the spring frombucklingftc.

' 'I'he front panel of the cabinet and the front of housing 18 are provided with suitable registering -apertures, through which thefront ends of the buttons 82 project. Each button is provided, rearwardly of the circular projecting end, with a bifurcated top platform 14,.and a ylower slide platform 16. A pair of stepped fingers 88, 88 are provided, projecting from the ends of the legs of platforms 14 (for purposes to be explained below), and a centrally located and downwardly projecting lip 94 constituting an abutment is formed at the rear end of the slide platform 16 on the bottom of each button 82 (see Figs. 3 and 4). Back panel 88 Yis suitably apertured so that the hooked fingers 88, 88 and projecting lip 84 may reciprocatably slide back and forth therethrough under manual urging inwardly and spring-84 pressure return movement. A shoulder 861s formed on each button between the plat- However, due to the spring pressure of contact.

blades 66, wheel 48 will be prevented from moving further in a counterclockwise direction any substantial distance beyond the point at which pin 68 has brought about contact between blades 88, 18, 12. I

It will thus be seen that the selecting mechanism S cannot,'in any manner, be effectively cperated before the counting mechanism M has been set by the deposit of a suiilclen't number of genuine coins or checks. If only three genuine com units have been deposited in and registered by the apparatus, only one part of the selecting apparatus is energized, and only those commodities priced at three units may be seform 14 and the circular tip which, bearing against the housing wall, limits the return movement of the buttons under the urging of the interiorly seated springs 84.

As will be seen in Fig. 4, one of the legs ofthe bifurcated button platform 14 is shouldered inwardly forming a locking catch or hook |88, and an angled track or path |82 between the spaced platform legs.4 A button holding bar |84 is provided, consisting of an elongated rod mounted in housing 18 so as to slide back and forth therewithin. Bar |84 has formed thereon, at spaced distances corresponding to the distance between buttons 82, a number of upstanding iingers |88, one for each button, and the bar is so disposed within housing 18 that fingers |88 normally are opposite to and `register with the openings into the trackways |82 of the buttons 82. When any button 82 is depressed and the locking bar |88 actuated the corresponding finger |88 engages catch |88 to retain the button in depressed position. A selecting rod |88, which may be formed oi` heavy gauge wire, is mounted within housing 18 in a space between the top of the button platform 14 and the underside of the top of the casing. Rod |08 extends across the full width of the cabinet and is provided with a bent-over end portion which extends out of the frame beyond the button battery and is disposed between the contact blades of the selecting mechanism. A collar I 2 of a suitable insulating material such as rubber or the like is ntted onto this bent-over end I I0, to prevent untoward contact between the blade sets. Platform 14 of each button 8 2 has formed therein a pair of spaced apart screwthreaded openings H9, |26, each ofwhich` is adapted to receive a pin |22 therein. Rod |08 .has formed therein, as bybending or otherwise,

a plurality of V-portions |24 serving as opposing camming portions, and the rod is so disposed within housing 18 that thev V-portions extend over button platforms 14 with the apex |26 of the V-portion between openings .|I9, |20. Opposed to blade 90 of the selecting battery, there is disposed a contact blade 90a, and I provide a contact blade 92a .opposed to blade 92. Blades 32a and 90a are wired through to solenoid I |4 mounted below lock bar |04. Plunger ||6 of the solenoid ||4 is spring-linked to a hook member |I8 integral with and depending from the button lock bar |04.

Thus, when pin |22 is. inserted in opening ||9 of button plate 14, and button 82 is pushed inwardly, the camming action of the angled leg of the V-portion |24 will cause selector rod |08 to shift to the right, pressing contact blades 92 and 92a together, completing the circuit through to solenoid I4. If pin |22 is inserted in the opening |20 on the other side of the V, pushing button 82 inwardly would, in similar manner, cause rod |08 to shift to the left, and press together blades 90 and 90a and complete the circuit through to solenoid ||4. When the solenoid is thus energized, plunger'll is drawn into the solenoid, carrying along with it button lock bar |04. Thus, referring to Fig. 4, as button 82 is pushed inwardly (assuming a sufficient number of genuine coins or checks to have been inserted to energize counting mechanism M and blades 90, 82 of the selecting mechanism S) lock bar |04 will be shifted to the right, and nger |06 will slide into the angularly related portion of trackway |02 behind extension |00, preventing button 82 from sliding back under the influence of spring 84. As lock bar |04 is shifted also, the tip end |28 extending out fromone end of housing 'I8 makes contact between the blades of the locking mechanism L by bringing same together, and completes the circuit through the motor T, which, in turn, operates the article ejecting mechanism. Pin |22 may be placed in only one or thel other of platform openings IIS, |20 at a time, and not housing 'I8 through a suitable slot in the floor thereof. A pair of hooked members |38 4receive the pins |36 within the longitudinal slots therein, as seen in Fig. 1. The members |38 are engaged with the floor 'I8 riding in slots formed therein and are urged towards each other by springs to maintain the plates |30 normally in engagement with each other and in operative relation to the several noses |34. When any button 82 is depressed pprtions of the plate assembly are spread apart or moved as a whole in one direction or the other toplace the plates |30 in position serving y as stops to prevent depression of the remaining in both simultaneously. If placed in both of openings ||9 and |20, the pins would constitute a stop against inward movement of button 82 under manual urging.

I also provide means whereby after a button has been pushed in and locked in the in position, all the other buttons are prevented from being pushed inwardly. On the floor of housing I8 I provide a number of substantially rectangular flat plates |30, disposed side by side in abutting relationship, forming a slide. The abutting edges of plates |30 are rounded oi at the forward ends thereof, and the mouths |32 thus `formed are adapted to receive a pointed nose |34 formed on the underside of each button. The two endmost plates |30 are each provided with a pin |36 which projects down and out of buttons, the contiguous walls of the chassis serving as stops limiting the movement of the retaining members |38.

The motoi` and its circuits 'circuit is completed through the action of lock bar |04 bearing against the opposed contact blades |40, |42 of the locking battery L and bringing same together. The electric current is open to blade |42 when the machine as a whole is plugged or connected to any suitable source of electricity, and the opposed blade |40 is wired through to motor T (see Fig. 7). The current is also open to motor T, and when contact is made between blades |40, |42, the circuit of the motor is closed and thev motor begins to `function.

Motor T, which operates the ejecting mechanism, may be disposed on the oor of frame i0 midway between the sides thereof, and is connected by appropriate gearing |44 to a shaft |46 extending the width of the casing, and projecting out from the frame at both sides thereof (see Fig. 1).

Shaft |46 is composed of a central portion |48 of solid bar material and a pair of side portions B50, |50. The central portion is connected to and driven by motor T through gearing |44, and the side portions are secured to the central portion by appropriate sleeves |52, |52. The side portions |50, |50 are composed of a flexible shaft| material, suiliciently rigid to transmit the drive yet iiexible-enough to withstand working stress and strains. The outer ends of shaft portions |50, |50 are mounted in bushings |54, |54 and project out from the side walls of frame I0, to each of which ends is secured a crank |56, |56. Cranks |56, |56 are secured onto the ends of shaft |46 in perfect alignment so that as shaft |46 is rotated by the motor, the cranks wil1 be driven simultaneously and arms |58, |58 of the cranks will move around in alignment.

Motor T may be constructed to operate at two speeds; a regular speed for operation of the ejecting mechanism, and a slower speed for restoral of the mechanism to ready position. Shaft |48 has mounted thereon, for rotation therewith, a cam |60. I mount, in operative relation thereto, two sets of opposed contact yblades P. As shaft |48 is rotated, cam |60 is carried around, bears against and brings the blades` of one set |62 together. 'I'he contact thus made through resistance |64-reduces the speed of motor T, and as the movement of'cam |60 continues, blades |66, |66 are brought together. causing the closing of a local circuit through the motor to insure continued operation thereof after the other motor circuit is opened at |42.

At one side of shaft |48, a driving gear |88 is` mounted thereon for rotation therewith. I pro'- vide a short stubshaft 280 and mount same for rotation within the same side wall of frame as gear |88 is located. I mount a driven gear 282 on shaft 280 in mesh with driving gear |884 of the main drive shaft. The inner face of gear 282 has a pair of cams, |10, thereon diametrically opposed to one another, and it is this gear '282 and cam. |10 arrangement which functions not only to unlock the button holding arrangement, but also to break the motor circuit, and also to drive a second dispensing mechanism, as will be explained in detail below. A depending plate |12 is secured to the underside of housing 18, and a hooked bar |14 is pivotally secured thereto (see Fig. 1). The upper end |18 of bar |82 bears against a finger |18 which is formed as an integral part of lock bar |04, and when lock bar |04 is shifted to the right by the action of solenoid 4, it shifts with it the upper end |18 of bar |14. Bar |14 is centrally pivoted (see Fig.

' 1) and movement of the top end |18 to the right will cause the other and hooked end |80 to shift to the left, against gear 282. As gear 282 is rotated by driving gear |88, cam |10 will engage the hook end |80 and cause it to shift to the right. This shift will cause the top end |18 to The eiecting mechanism n 'My electing mechanism I4 comprises a carriage or support |82 mounted in the lower part of frame |0 for reciprocating movement back and forth in operative relation to the article containing compartments |2. .Carriage |82 comprises aV channel member |94 which extends across the width yof the casing. The ends of the channel project through arcuate openings |88 formed in the sides of the frame where they are secured to supporting arms |88, |88, each of which is pivotally mounted near the floor of the casing, as at |90, |90.

Channel member |84 may be formed of a light gauge metal, stamped or otherwise `formed so that it is substantially U-shaped in cross-section, having a front portion |82, a short top portion |94 angled over inwardly, a bottom portion |98 parallel to top |94, an angled portion |98 and a back portion 200 parallel to front |02. Vertically aligned apertures 202, 204 are formed in ,top and bottom portions |84, |98, respectively,

and a pair of openings 208, 208 are formed in the upper parts of front and back portions |92, 200, respectively, in line with openings 202, 204. Channel member |84 is so disposed within the device, that the aligned openings 202, 204, 208, 200 are disposed opposite each button 02 and hence in line with each article containing compartment |2. A vertically slidable plate 2 0 is mounted in openings 202, 204, and a horizontally slidable plate 2|2 is mounted in openings 208, 208. Plate 2|8 is suitably apertured, as at 2 I4, in order that horizontal slide 2|2 may pass therethrough (see Fig. 3).

posed ears of which are suitably apertured, is

A U-shaped member 2|8, the op- Aso mounted on angled portion |88 in line with the slide openings.. and a right-angled level 2|8 is pivotally mounted therein by means of an elongated pin 220 passing through all the apertured .through an opening 228 in vertical slide 2|0. A

coil spring 280 is placed around arm 228 and locked between the angle of the lever and a spring plate 282 bearing against slide 2| 0.

As will be seen by reference to Fig. 2, each channel supporting arm |88 is vertically slotted, as at 234, and the crank pin |88 extends thereinto. Thus, as shaft |48 is rotated by motor T, crank pins |88 will be rotated along with it and the carriage |82 will be moved back and forth in an arcuate path limited only by the length 0f cram |88, |88 and the arcuate openingsl |88 in the side walls of the casing through which th channel support |84 extends.

Referring now to Fig. 3, the dotted line position of button 82 indicates the point of extension at which it is locked' after being manually pushed inwardly, and the abutment lip 94 is extended valong with it. The normal portions of slides 2|0,

2|2 are shown in heavy lines, and as carriage |82 is moved forward, the leading end 238 of slide 2|2 is brought into contact with button lip 94. The continued forward movement of carriage |82 against the locked and immovable button will cause slide 2|2 to be shifted backwardly. Lever arm 222, engaged with slide 2|2 will be carried along with it in its rearward movement, and the other lever arm 228, pivoting on pin 220, will shift upwardly, raising vertical slide 2|0 to the dotted line portion of Fig. 3. Slide 2|0 rises to its topmost position when carriage |82 is at the limit of its forward movement. As carriage |82 starts its return movement, the top portion 238 of slide 2|0 engages thevfront end of the packaged commodity resting on the lnturned bottom edges 240 of compartments I2 and pushing same before it, carries the commodity through the opening 242 in the rear of the channel into chute i8, along which it slides down into the delivery mouth i8, from which it may be removed by the operator.

As carriage |82 approaches the peak of its rearward movement, the rear end of slide 2|2, ex-

tended as a result of contact with button lip $94,.

is brought against wall 244 forming the front of chute I8 and serving as a common abutment for returning the several members 2| 2 to normal position and retracting the members 2|0 with a snap action, as shown in full lines at Fig. 3.

A slightly tensioned spring arm 248 is mounted on the back of the casing, oppositeV each opening 240. in order that the packaged articles shifted from the channels i2 by the vertical slide 2|0 may be directed into the delivery chute |8.

Means are provided to lock the button of each channel from which all the commodities have been dispensed. Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, a pair of bars 248, 248 will be seen at the bottom of each compartment |2. ^The bars 248, 248 are pivoted off-center, as at 250, to each compartment wall, below the platform portions thereof, so that normally the longer portions 252 thereof, reaching forwardly towards the button assembly, would drop down, raising the opposite shorter arms 254 into the compartments |2. The forward reaching ends of each pair of the longer portions are connected by across-bar 258,.and when the longer portions are in the down position, the cross-bar drops down onto `and rests within and against the stepped portion 258 formedat the end of the fingers 88, 88, of the bifurcated upper button platfonn 14. Bars 248, 248 are formed of very light metal or other suitable material. Thus, the weight of the commodities which may be disposed within compartments I2 need not be considerable in order to depress the shorter arms 2,54, 254, and elevate the longer arms 252, 262 and thus raise Across bar 256 above the level of button 82 and out of engagement with the stepped portion 258. When all the commodi- 1 ties withinA any `particular compartment have been disposed `therefrom, the weight of the longer arms will be suiiicient to cause a dropping down of the cross bar 256 and the presentation of a stop against any inwardmovement of the particular button 82 opposite the compartment.

The supplementary dispensing mechanism Associated with my main dispensing mechanism, I provide a supplemental dispensing device.

I have described the present embodiment of my invention as adapted for dispensing cigarettes, and in connection therewith, I have devised a supplemental mechanism for dispensing associated articles, as'match booklets or boxes or the half lcircle turning movement of shaft 260 will draw link 266 down, and through angled lever 268 will cause slide 214 to move back, carrying along with the back of front lip 216 a commodity like. It will be obvious that'this supplemental mechanism may be used for dispensing any commodity, and one not necessarily associated with the contents of the main magazines.` I mount the short stub shaft 280 in the frame sidewall, and secure thereon the driven gear 262 in mesh with the driving gear |68 on the main drive shaft |46 as outlined above. To the other end of stub shaft 260, extending outside of the frame side wall, I secure a crank 264. An elongated link 266 is secured to the end of the crank 264, and to the other end of link 266, reaching vertically upwards, I connect one end of an angular lever 268 by means of a yoke 210. The other end of the angled lever 268 is link-connected by a short bar 212 to a sliding platform 214 having rraised lips l* 216, 216 at the front and rear thereof.

I provide a pair of spaced-apart magazines 218,

218 on the side of frame I0, the bottoms of which v y the space and underneath the magazines to di- Y rect the contents out into delivery mouth I8. The lip portions 216, 216 of the slide member exfrom the other magazine until dropped down onto chute 282. In this manner, I am enabled to dispense commodities from two different sources. The commodities may, but need not be, associated in use. The time cycle is such that for each article dispensed from the main magazines I2,

an article is dispensed from the magazines 218 by means driven by the main dispensing means.

The check or coin, receptacles Passing down through chutes 20, 22 into the temporary coin or check receptacle 30, the coins are supported therein by a pair of springs 300 urged together pivoted leaves 302, 304, interlocked at the bottoms thereof, as at 306. After a num ber of coins have been deposited'withinV my device, and at any time before a suitable button 82 is `actuated to start the motor T, .the coins are held, so to speak, in suspension and they may be retaken or recalled bythe operator. The construction and operation of this portion of my device is as follows:

A coin return lever 308 is provided, suitably 1ocated on the frame I0 so that same may be readily grasped. If it is desired to recall the checks or coins deposited, 4lever 308, pivoted atits far end at 3|0, is pulled downwardly. A link 3|2 is connected at one end to lever 308 and at its other end to an angled lever-3H. The downward movement of lever 308 is thereby communicated to lever 3|4, whch is pivoted at 3|6, and

the other and angled arm 3|8 thereof is provided with a pin 320 extending outwardly from arm 3|8 and into a slot 328 in a-sliding member 322. This sliding member 322 is mounted on frame I 0, and is held thereon by headed pins 324, 326 passing through elongated slots 328, 330 respectively. The slide 322; at its other end, is provided with an integral bent-over extension arm 332, and the end of which is forked, as at 333 vto receive one of the pins 334 holding one tend upwardly above the platform 280 edges.

The magazine and slide assembly are supported by a suitable bracket 284 secured to the side wall of the frame. The ends of the front lip 2116 are provided with angled leading.v portions 286 for purposes to be explained below.

The ratio of driving gear |68 to driven geary 262 is 2:1; that is, a complete revolution of gear |68 will cause a 180 degree turn of the driven gear 262. Each complete turn of drive shaft |46 will cause a half circle rotation of gear 262 and` stub shaft 260 and crank 264. The clockwise rota-- tion of crank 264 through a 180 degree arc will cause a raising of link 266, a pivoting of lever 268 about its axis at 269, and a forward sliding movement of slide platform V214. 'I'he rear lip 216, as slide 214 moves forward, will engage and carry along with it a match booklet, as 288, or other commodity, until it drops down into the intermagazine space along chute 282 and down and end of spring 300. The other end of spring 306 is secured to a pin 336, and the side wall 338 of receptacle 30 is provided with a pair of arcuatel notches or tracks 340, 342 on opposite sides thereof, within and along which pins 334, 336, respectively, may be shifted.

As lever 308 is depressed, the vertical movement is translated to Acircular movement, be cause the angled lever/3M is pivoted about its axis at 3|6. Pin 320 is carried in a clockwise direction, carrying slide 322 to the left. Extension 332 is moved along with slide 322, and carries pin 324 with it. The opposite pin 336 is held captive in track or notch 342 and spring 300 is extended, relieving the spring restraint on leaf 302, holding same interlocked with leaf 304. Pivoted leaf 302, under the weight of the coins, drops down to a vertical position over the coin by-pass 344, and the coins may drop through and into the delivery mouth I8, which may be in communication with that portion of the receptacle 38. Other provision may be made for a coin return chute, as desired. After the required number of coins have been deposited, and the motor T is started, crank arms |88 start their clockwise rotation, carrying supporting arms |88 along'therewith. On the outside of frame I8, in line with the arm |88 on thecoin receptacle side thereof, I mount a horizontally sliding rod 348 by means of a pair of pins 348, 348. Rod 348 is slotted to receive the pins 348, and'is provided with an angled upstanding arm 358 which bears against spring leaf pin 338. As the supporting arm |88 moves backward in its article ejecting phase of movement, the end of rod 348 is engaged thereby and slid back carrying along with it the arm 358, which then contacts and bears against spring pin 338 The other end of spring 388, seated in pin 334 held captive in track or' notch 348, is fixed and the movement of pin 338 extends spring 388 and removes the tension support from under leaf 384, permitting same to `pivot downwardly to a vertical position under the weight of the coins, over a suitable permanent receptacle A352, the entrance 384 to whichis directly underneath leaf 384.

'I'hus it will be seen that in mymechanism, the coins or checks may be recalled before operation of the machine, or received in a permaf nent receptacle upon operation of the machine.

Resetting the counting and registering mecham'sm angled lever 358. Lever 358 has a long, normallyY vertically depending arm 358, and a shorter, right angled horizontally disposed arm 382. The extreme end of arm 362 is pivotally connected to an elongated rod 384 which extends up to and engages counting wheel 48. The upper. end of this vertically extending rod` 384 is slotted at 388 `to receive a pin 388 secured to and projecting against and make contact between the blades |48, |42 and thereby completing the motor circuit. Thus, the first thing to happen on actuation` of return lever 388 is to prevent starting of the motor T. If, after the coins or checks have been deposited and a button 82 is pushed inwardly to complete the circuit through to motor T through the action of lock bar threading through opening 318 and making contact between blades |48, |42, it is attempted to actuate return coin lever 383, the projecting end of rod |84 throughopening 318 will act as an effective stop against any movement of lever 3|4 acting on coin return slide 322. Only one thing can happen. If the coins are returned, the motor circuit cannot be completed. If the motor circuit is completed, the coins cannot be recalled. Both events, in the absence of any physical damage to the mechanism, cannot take place.

The second thing that occurs is that pin 328, swinging through a clockwise arc: depresses lever arm 382 by riding up the inclined side of notch 318, and causes rod 384 to be drawn downwardly thereby turning counting wheel in a clockwise direction and withdrawing pin 88 from relieving the pressure of said pin 88 against the contact blade battery 88. g

The third thing to occur is the return of the coins via the action of slide rod 322 on spring leaf 382.

The counting mechanism is also reset when the motor T is actuated to and does move through the article ejecting phase of its-cycle. Crank arm |58 rotates irr a clockwise direction, and crank |58 is of such lengtlr that when it sweeps around, arm |58, projecting, outwardly from the crank, will engage the vertically depending crank arm 358 and carry same upwardly, vinto the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2. Pivoting counterclockwise about its axis 324, Athe shorter. horizontally extending arm 382 will carry rod 364 downward along with itself and with its engageoutwardly from wheel 48. In normal, unset position, the respective parts of my apparatus are as shown in full lines in Fig.2.

Pin 328, on lever 3|4, also bears against arm 382, normally resting at the bottom of a notch 318 formed in arm 382, and the lever arm 3I8 is provided with an angled extension 312 in line with the mainlpart of lever 3|4.

Thus, if after a number of coins or cheeks have been deposited in the device, and registered by thecounting wheel 48 moving several notches in a counterclockwise direction and bearing against the contact battery 88, completing the circuit through to the selecting mechanism, it is desired ment to counting wheel 48 by pin 388, 'will cause wheel 48 to be pulled around and back to its unset condition, in this way also relieving the pressure of wheel pin 88 against the contact blade 88.

Having described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A check controlled apparatus comprising article dispensing means including an electric actuator, means including parallel circuits for controlling the operation of said actuator, contact means for closing the circuits at certain points", juxtapositioned contacts in said circuits at other points, and means coacting with said contacts to selectively actuate the same, said last mentioned means being `movable in one direction to close the cir'cuit of one setting and in the oppositev direction to close the circuit of another setting.

2. A check controlled apparatus comprising parallel circuits for controlling the operation of said apparatus, juxtapgsitioned contact blades for setting said circuits for operation, a member advanced step-by-step to close successively the blades of onecircuit upon a given advance and the blades of another circuitl upon an additional advance, electromagnetic means for actuating said member including a circuit having portions in parallel, coin actuated contacts in said parallel portions to be actuated by coins of different denominations, the contacts for the coin of smaller denomination being disposedbelow and in the path of the coin of larger denomination, and means'for selectively controlling said first-mentioned parallel circuits at other points thereof.

ation of said actuator, means for closing said circuits at certain points, actuating means therefor including coin responsive means to condition each circuit for operation in response to the insertion of a different 'predetermined amount of," coins, means for controlling said circuits at other points, a transversely disposed member movable in opposite directions to actuate said circuit controlling means for completing one circuit or another, selective operable elements, and means upon each element and said member coacting to determine the direction oi movement of said member upon actuation of each element.

4. A check controlled apparatus comprising dispensing means including an electric actuator, control circuits for said actuator, coin'controlled means for setting said circuits for operation one in response to a given coin amount inserted and another in response to a diil'erent given coin amount, sets of bladecontacts in said circuits arranged contiguous to each other in spaced relation, selectively operable elements, a member extending along said elements and having a portion extending between said sets of contacts to actuate one or the other according to the direction of movement of the member, and means upon each selective element and the contiguous portion of said member coacting to actuate said member and'determine the direction of movement thereof.l y i 5. A check controlled apparatus comprising means for dispensing articles at diierent prices, coin controlled means for conditioning said dispensing means for operation'at one price or another, means to cause operation of said ldispensing means under one condition or another, selectively operable elements, a member extending transgersely of said elements for actuating said last-mentioned means and having forwardly converging opposing cam portions contiguous to each selective element, and a pin on each element adapted to be removably engaged with said element in either of two positions for coaction with one cam portion or the other.

6. A check controlled apparatus comprising means for dispensing articles at different prices, coin controlled means for conditioning said dispensing means for operation at one price r another, means to cause operation of said dispensing means in accordance with one condition or another, selectively operable elements, a member extending transversely of said elements for actuating said operation causing means, and having opposing cam portions facing each selective element, and means `on each selective element adapted to coact with one or the other of the contiguous cam portions to move said 'member in one direction or the other.

'7. A vending apparatus comprising a plurality of article compartments, 'a support extending transversely of said compartments and having depending Aarms pivotally supporting the same for swinging movement relative to said compartments, each of saidy arms having longitudinally extending slots therein, a motor, a transverse shaft driven by said motor, cranks at the ends of said shaft having pins riding in said slots for swinging said support, ejecting elements movably mounted on the support for projection into and retraction from article ejecting position, and means under selective control for projecting said elements.

8. A vending apparatus comprising a plurality of compartments, a movable support at one end of said compartments movable forwardly and rearwardly, an ejecting member for each compartment slidable vertically on said support, a member disposed horizontally on said support for sliding movement transversely to each ejecting member, means for transmitting movement of said horizontal member to said ejectingmem ber, means for actuating said support, depressible selector elements each opposing a horizontal member to actuate the same upon forward movement of the support, and means engaging said horizontal member upon rearward movement of the support to actuate the horizontal member in the reverse direction. v

9. A coin controlled apparatus comprising a, coin receiving receptacle including a pair of plates pivotally supported at the upper edges and extending downwardly towards each other/into closing relation, spring connected members engaging the plates to retain the same closed, said members being slidably supported for movement to and from said plates independently vof each other, means for moving onel of said members to release one of said plates to cause the same to s open for the return of coins to the operator, and means to move the other member to release the other plate for the delivery of coins to be retained. 10. A coin controlled apparatus comprising actuated means, a control member therefor advanced step-by-step, coin controlled means for t actuating the member, a coin receptacle adapted to be operated-to return coins and retain coins,

means for resetting said member including a link having a slot and pin connection thereto, a bellcrank having one arm connected to said link at the opposite end and the other arm in the path of a movable part of said actuated means, said rst named arm having a notch, actuating means for returning the coins including a lever having a pin engaged in said notch, and a member engaged by said pin for operating said receptacle.

11. A vending apparatus comprising a plurality of compartments for articles' to be dispensed at different prices, a support mounted for movement relative to said compartments, ejecting elements each associated with a corresponding compartment and movably mounted upon said support to be projected and retracted to dispense an article,

an electric motor for actuating said support, circuits for said motor, means responsive to the action of coins in diilerent amounts corresponding to the said prices for setting one circuit 'for operation in dispensing an article at one price and another circuit for operation in dispensing an article at a different price, contact means for closing one circuit or another at other points, and means selectively operable to render any ejecting element operative to dispense an article of one price or another upon actuation of said support and to actuate said last-named means to close the circuit set for operation by the coin amount corresponding to the price of the article selected for dispensation.

12. A vending apparatus comprising compartments for articles to be dispensed at different prices, means for dispensing the different articles including ejector elements each adapted to be.

moved into and from ejecting position relative to a corresponding compartment, an electric motor for actuating said dispensing means, parallel circuits for controlling the operation of said motain points, means responsive to the actionof tor, contact means for closing the circuits at cercoins in diiierent amounts corresponding to said prices for actuating said contact means to set one circuit for operation in dispensing an article of one price and another circuit for operation in dispensing an article oi' a different price, juxtapositioned contacts in said circuits at other points, means coacting with last-named contacts movable in one direction 'to close one circuit and in the opposite direction to close another circuit, and means selectively operable to render any ejector element operative to dispense an article of one price or another upon actuation ,ofthe dispensing means and operatively coordinated with said oppositely movable means to actuate the same in a direction to complete the circuit set by a coin amount corresponding to the price of the article selected.

13. A vending apparatus comprising a plurality of article compartments, a support movable relative thereto, ejector elements on the support for movement into dispensing position, means associated with each ejector element and movably mounted on the support for translating movement to the ejecting element into dispensing position upon movement-of the support, a motor including a circuit for actuating said support, coin controlled means for setting said circuit for operation, means movable into position selectively to be engaged by any of the said translating means upon actuation of said support for projecting the corresponding ejecting element, and means controlled by said lastnamed means for completing the 'circuit of the to be positioned to be engaged thereby upon movement of said support to project said ejecting element through the action of the translating means, means for actuating said lsupport, and means controlled thereby for locking the selector element when positioned to be engaged.

15. A vending apparatus comprising dispensing means, actuating means therefor, ,a control member advanced step-by-step for setting actuating means for operation, `coinvcontrol1ed means for actuating the member, means for `selectively controlling said dispensing means and the operation of said actuating means, a temporary coin receptacle operative to return and retain coins, means for resetting said member including a link having a slot and pin connection depressed position, and electromagnetic means at one end with said member, a bell-crank hav- Y an article from one compartment or another,

a member extending transversely of said selector elements for movement in opposite directions, each selector element and the contiguous portion of said member having coacting means for actuatingl said member in one direction or the other according to the price of the article selected for dispensation, and means operated by one movement of said member or the other, to cause operation insuring the dispensation of an article at a price corresponding to the coin amount inserted to condition said dispensing means.

17. A vending apparatus comprising a plurality of compartments for articles to be dispensed, a, support mounted for movement relative to said compartments, a separate ejecting element for eaeh compartment movably mounted upon said support to be projected and retracted to dispense an article, an electric actuator for moving said support, means for supplying power to said actuator including a control circuit having a pair of contacts, and selectively depressible means operable to render any ejecting element operative to dispense an article from a selected compartment upon actuation of said support and to close said pair of contacts and thereby supply power to said actuator to move said support.

18. A vending apparatus comprising a plurality of compartments for articles to be dispensed, a support mounted for movement relative to said compartments, a separate ejecting element for each compartment movably mounted upon said support, to be projected and retracted to dispense an article, an electric actuator for moving said suppprt, means for supplying power to said actuator including a control circuit having a pair of contacts, and selectively depressible means operable to render any ejecting element operative to dispense an article from a selected compartment upon actuation of said support and 'to close said pair of contacts and thereby supply forming part of said circuit for urging" said locking means to operative position when said electromagnetic means is energized.

19. A Vending apparatus comprising a plurality of compartments for articles4 to be dispensed, a support mounted for movement relative to said compartments, a separate ejecting element for each compartmentmovably mounted upon said support to be projected and retracted to dispense an article, an electric actuator for moving said support, means for supplying power to said actuator including a control circuit having a pair of contacts, selectively depressible means Voperable to render any ejecting element operative to dispense arf article from a selected compartment upon actuation of said support and to close said pair of contacts and thereby supply power to said actuator to move said support,

and means actuated by said actuator upon operation thereof for opening said circuit.

20. In a vending apparatus having aplurality of article compartments; a support mounted for reciprocating movement transversely of said compartments; article ejecting means for each 1 O 2,sss,17e

5 ment.

and the other arm 'operatively connected to said actuating member, and means adapted to engage said actuating member to `move the v:same as said support approaches each of its limits of movel FAIRFIELD W. HOBAN. 

